ISABELLA GLACIER

Indian Peaks Wilderness

Round-Trip Distance:  9 miles (But we didn't make quite to the glacier!)

Total Elevation Gain: 1,512  ft

Highest Elevation: 11,533 ft

 

 

 

It sure was a beautiful hike on the way up!!  Lots of spectacular views of lakes, peaks, and, creeks!

When we reached "the end" we really were not sure if we were there or not...The trail fizzled at the end....and it was pouring rain, so it made the decision to turn around pretty easy!!  When I got home and downloaded the GPS it showed we were close, but not quite!  We will have to go back for it at some point!!

 

Always tons of fun getting out with Sarah!

Cool shot of Sarah coming down the trail!

 



Running into moose on the way back made up for not making it to the glacier!!!  Thanks for making the trip Sarah!!  Till next time!!!!

 

always be swooping

4 PASS LOOP

Aspen, CO

Round-Trip Distance:  26 miles

Total Elevation Gain: 10,224 ft

Four 12,000 ft Passes - Three days

 

Ok, maybe Kira and I were not hiking hard enough based on the above shot!!  But, I promise you we were!!  I wish I could share this adventure in 4 pics, but that would be just about impossible, because it was just so beautiful! I'll do my best to keep it at a minimum! 

 

This loop hike starts just outside of Aspen.  There was some confusion on how you actually get to the trailhead.....If you get there early or arrive late you can drive to the trailhead, otherwise you will need to take the shuttle.  It wasn't that big of a deal, but did take a little longer to get started.

 

The hike is pretty well traveled, so we did see people every day, however it wasn't as bad as I thought it might be!  The trail is well marked.  We had a map, but really only pulled it out a couple of times.

I guess I should be saying which passes these photos represent....but I'll keep you guessing in hopes you can see for yourself! We were not sure how fast we would be moving, but with such a nice trail we moved pretty quickly.  We did west maroon pass & fridged air pass the first day.  The second day we did trail rider pass & buckskin pass, which made our last day pretty short, which was nice.  Trail rider pass, I thought was the hardest!!

 



 

Such a beautiful place to spend some time!!  Thanks Kira for taking the time!  And a special thank you to Raylan the dog for keeping us safe at night!!!

 



always be swooping

SOUTH TABLE

 

Golden, CO

Round-Trip Distance: 2.0  miles (ish)

 

 

 

 

If you have ever been to been to Golden, CO I am pretty sure you have noticed South Table Mountain.  It basically hovers over the town and just looks like it needs to be climbed!  Kristen, Liam and I got out before the afternoon showers hit.  Fun hike with stairs to the top.  Amazing views of the city below!!

 

 

always be swooping



BROKEN COMPUTER

It sucks when your computer breaks!  And now I debate whether it is time for a new one....and if so, is it time to switch over to the Apple world.......which I know most of you would say YES!!!  Regardless, I have more to post and hope to get to it very shortly!!!

LIGHTENING STORM

Cool shot from the house!

LAWSON'S VIST TO EVERGREEN

Friends
Years: 27ish

 

It was such a pleasure to spend the afternoon with the Lawson family! I think Mary Jane kept my mom grounded through my teenage years, and for that I am truly grateful!!!! Andrew and I finally got to meet their amazing kiddo's and niece, who were tons of fun, and didn't make us feel tooo old!!   We had a great time paddle boarding, kayaking, and paddle boating around Evergreen Lake.  Hope they will visit again! 

  

 



 

always be swooping

and jump shot-ing!

RAFTING THE ARKANSAS

Buena Vista, CO

Independent Whitewater

Brown's Canyon - 1/2 day Trip

Class III



 

This was an awesome place and way to spend 4th of the July weekend!  It was super great to catch up Danielle, and super cool to meet her little sister!!  The Arkansas River is still running fast, and the rapids were tons of fun!!  I would highly recommend the company we went with, Independent Whitewater located between Buena Vista and Salida. Can't wait to go again!

Happy 4th of July!

 

 

always be swooping!

 

MOUNT YALE

Buena Vista, CO

Round-Trip Distance:  10 miles

Total Elevation Gain: 5,183 ft

Highest Elevation: 14,199 ft

 

Yahooooo!  My first true 14'er of the season!!  Not that I'm all about 14'ers, but it does feel like an accomplishment!!!  Andrew and I tried to do Yale some years back, but we had to retreat due to large strikes of impressive lightening!!!

I started from the Avalanche Gulch Trailhead and went up and over following this amazing ridgeline (photo above ridge on left).  It took a little longer than I expected.  There were a couple of exposed areas, but nothing to to bad.....I think doing the ridge in this direction might be easer???  To me, I would not want to be down climbing the exposed areas.....but then I hate going down!!

Top out shot!!! 

Yep, more amazing views!!!!  This explains why I feel like I only take panoramic shots these days!!!

BETA:
This is route is written up in Gerry Roach's 14er guidebook.  When leaving from Avalanche Gulch TH, go the 3.2 miles and look for a rock cairn on the left side of the trail.  I boogied on past it, and had to go back to find it.  The trail is there, but not super visible for the first 100 feet-ish. The cairn is pretty easy to spot if your looking for it!!

always be swooping



PTARMIGAN PEAK/LOOP

Dillon, CO

Round-Trip Distance: 12.0  miles

Total Elevation Gain: 3,710 ft

Highest Elevation: 12,498 ft



 This hike was AWESOME!!!!  And Sarah says its even more amazing in the fall when the aspen are changing!
 

 I haven't done to many hikes (maybe none) where it actually gets easier as you got closer to the top!  Of course you are still going up, but the further you go up, the less steep the grade gets, making you feel strong and fast!! 
It was so nice to not be huffing and puffing, like I usually am!
 

 

 Sarah and I enjoying the beautiful 360 views from the top!  I think my tick list of peaks to hike just tripled!!

 Thanks for the amazing day Sarah!! Can't wait to do it again!!!!!



 

EXTRA BETA BELOW:

 

 

You do have the option of making this a loop instead of going out and back.  I got the impression this trail isn't used as much.  The trail fades out in a couple of places, but still really easy to follow.  About a mile shorter than taking the up trail down, but much steeper!

 



always be swooping